Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire

he hugely well-respected and historically important Kinks seventh studio album Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire was released on 10th October 1969, and celebrates its 50th anniversary on 2019. 'Rock musical' in style and one of the most effective concept albums in rock history, the album was constructed by Kinks' frontman Ray Davies as the soundtrack to a subsequently cancelled Granada Television play. The album receiving almost unanimous acclaim upon its release. Rolling Stone 1969 - "Arthur is a masterpiece on every level, Ray Davies' finest hour. The Kinks' supreme achievement and the best British album of 1969". Melody Maker 1969 - "Ray Davies' finest hour ... beautifully British to the core" Original album tracklist: Victoria, Yes Sir No Sir, Some Mother's Son, Drivin', Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina, Young And Innocent Days, Nothing To Say, Arthur 7" square x 3” deep, 2-part rigid card box containing: 4 x CDs, 4 x 7" singles, book, printed memorabilia, enamel badge 4 x CDs (in individual card wallets) • 2019 newly remastered stereo and mono versions of original Arthur album from HD sources • Mono and stereo single versions, B-sides, alternate mono / stereo mixes, demos, BBC mixes and Dave Davies’ solo • 2 new recordings of Ray Davies with The Doo Wop Choir, including one previously unreleased track • 3 previously unreleased tracks written for Arthur, and recorded by the 'Come Dancing' Workshop Ensemble (1998) • New Ray Davies remixes of album tracks ‘Australia’ and ‘Shangri-La’ • 81 tracks total, comprising 5 previously unreleased tracks and 28 previously unreleased versions 4 x Arthur related 7” singles (with reproduced original international artwork) • Drivin’ / Victoria / Shangri-La / Hold My Hand (Dave Davies solo) Softback book • Extensive essays by world-renowned Kinks experts, original cancelled Arthur play co-scriptwriter Julian Mitchell, and original album sleeve designer Bob Lawrie • New interviews with Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory • Band photos, original release international cover artwork and memorabilia Printed memorabilia • Reproduced original photos & posters Badge • Bespoke, exclusive, metal & enamel Kinks logo pin badgeThe hugely well-respected and historically important Kinks seventh studio album Arthur Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire was released on 10th October 1969, and celebrates its 50th anniversary on 2019. 'Rock musical' in style and one of the most effective concept albums in rock history, the album was constructed by Kinks' frontman Ray Davies as the soundtrack to a subsequently cancelled Granada Television play. The album receiving almost unanimous acclaim upon its release. Rolling Stone 1969 - "Arthur is a masterpiece on every level, Ray Davies' finest hour. The Kinks' supreme achievement and the best British album of 1969". Melody Maker 1969 - "Ray Davies' finest hour ... beautifully British to the core" Original album tracklist: Victoria, Yes Sir No Sir, Some Mother's Son, Drivin', Brainwashed, Australia, Shangri-La, Mr. Churchill Says, She's Bought A Hat Like Princess Marina, Young And Innocent Days, Nothing To Say, Arthur 7" square x 3” deep, 2-part rigid card box containing: 4 x CDs, 4 x 7" singles, book, printed memorabilia, enamel badge 4 x CDs (in individual card wallets) • 2019 newly remastered stereo and mono versions of original Arthur album from HD sources • Mono and stereo single versions, B-sides, alternate mono / stereo mixes, demos, BBC mixes and Dave Davies’ solo • 2 new recordings of Ray Davies with The Doo Wop Choir, including one previously unreleased track • 3 previously unreleased tracks written for Arthur, and recorded by the 'Come Dancing' Workshop Ensemble (1998) • New Ray Davies remixes of album tracks ‘Australia’ and ‘Shangri-La’ ...